I know that chanting nianfo is primarily for the benefit of oneself and all sentient beings to enter the Pure Land. But I was wondering if this was all there is to it. For instance, can one achieve enlightenment in this life by chanting it? Can you use the merit gained to help out another person on an individual level, or can you use it to confer blessings of some sort one oneself or others?

"If you want to travel the Way of Buddhas and Zen masters, then expect nothing, seek nothing, and grasp nothing." -Dogen